Every mission needs ambition. Mikel Arteta’s cautious approach to such an important game against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday felt like a betrayal of the travelling Arsenal fans’ hopes. It felt like a game of chess when Arsenal’s manager moved only pawns and rarely committed to advance freely across the board. Arteta’s side managed a solitary shot on target. It all felt a wasted opportunity, and a sizeable setback to Arsenal’s title chances. No risk, no reward, no points, only regrets.
When Martin Ødegaard came on after 69 minutes, he passed Declan Rice a quick-release energy gel. Arsenal’s midfield were flagging, even the usually tireless Rice. Liverpool were gradually taking control, their more positive mindset paying off and building towards a narrow, but seismic victory over their main rivals for the Premier League. Arsenal needed more than an isotonic for the troops. They needed an adrenaline shot to a mindset shaped by Arteta’s restraint. Arsenal have finally bought a target-man, Viktor Gyökeres, and failed to provide him any real service at Anfield.
